Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is the most powerful tool available to the chemist for the elucidation of the structure of molecules. It is used to identify unknown substances, characterize specific arrangements of atoms within molecules, and to study the dynamics of interactions between molecules in solution. Access to state-of-the-art NMR spectrometry is essential to chemists who are carrying out frontier research. This award from the Chemistry Shared Instrumentation Program will help the Chemistry Department of the RUI institution, Hope College, to acquire, operate and maintain a high-field NMR spectrometer. The acquisition of the instrument will enhance the ability of the Department to prepare undergraduates for possible careers in chemistry and will enhance research in the following areas: 1) Reactive bi-metallic early-late-transition metal complexes 2) Preparation and polymerization of 1,2-dihydrocyclobuta?b!- napthalene-4,7-dione and derivatives 3) Identification of biologically important compounds exuded from sorghum and other grasses 4) Biosynthesis of 3-deoxyanthocyanidins in sorghum: a model for anthocyanidin biosynthesis 5) Characterization of divalent germanium, tin and lead compounds by heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy 6) Diastereoselective reactions of enolates with epoxides 7) Competitive cyclyzations of epoxides to double bonds and aromatic positions.
